200540682 九、發明說明： 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明是有關於一種用於行動電話之鍵盤及其製造方法，且 特別是有關於一種能夠維持金屬層的附著狀態以及充許使用各 種材料來製造之鍵盤及其製造方法。 【先前技術】 大體而言，鍵盤係為一種開關裝置，應用在如行動電話或個 人數位助理（PDA)等通信終端機上，用以產生訊號或執行各種附 加的功能。鍵盤係具有多個按鍵，而且在每個按鍵上都印製有文 字或圖形。這些按鍵係配置於終端機的前機殼（front housing)上並 處於可產生訊號的狀態。 就行動電話的鍵盤而言，其係藉由按壓一個圓頂開關（dome switch)，以使此圓頂開關能夠產生彈性變形而與印刷電路板（PCB) 上之接觸點接觸並產生訊號，進而達到執行行動電話所提供之各 種功能的目的。 塑膠、石夕橡膠（silicon rubber)或是具有預定厚度之薄膜己被 使用來製造如上所述之鍵盤。此外，鍵盤也已經被做成各種形狀。 近年來，鍵盤被喷塗（spray-coated)或鍵上金屬以提供一攀像 金屬的感覺，從而提高鍵盤的價值，並且滿足不同使用者的需求。 這種像金屬（metal-like)的鍵盤係在由塑膠材料所形成之按 鍵的表面上鍍上如銅（Cu)、鎳（Ni)或络（Cr)等金屬材料。然而，由 於所鍍之材料與按鍵材料之物質特性的不同，鍍在按鍵上之金屬 材料很可能輕易地就剝落了。 此外，只有當鍵盤是由丙稀晴-丁二烯-苯乙烯（Acrylonitryl Butadiene Styrene ;以下簡稱ABS)樹脂所形成時，金屬材料才能 TW1916PA 5 •200540682 鑛於按鍵上。也就是說，由其他樹脂如聚碳酸脂（p〇iycarbonate) 所形成之鍵盤就無法於按鍵上鍵上金屬材料。 因此，係必須使用雙射出成形製程（dual-injection molding process)來製造鍵盤，才能使像金屬的按鍵具有背光（back-lighting) 的能力。雙射出成形製程係先使用ABS樹脂以一個射出成形製 程來形成按鍵的外圍部份（outer body)，然後再使用其他的樹脂如 聚碳酸脂以另一個射出成形製程來形成顯示文字或數字之中央 部份（central portion)。如此的製造方法係提高了鑄模的困難度’ 且增加了製造成本，進而降低了鍵盤的生產率。 【發明内容】 有鑑於此，本發明的目的就是在提供一種金屬鍵盤及其製造 方法以解決上述的問題。 本發明的一個目的是在提供一種製造鍵盤的方法。此方法係 不論鍵盤是由何種熱塑性樹脂（thermoplastic resin)所形成，都能 夠在按鍵上鍍上一層金屬層，而且使具有背光能力的按鍵之金屬 鍍層不會輕易脫落。 根據本發明的目的，提出一種製造金屬鍵盤之方法。此方法 包括以下步驟··首先，形成一按鍵，按鍵係使用熱塑性樹脂以一 射出成形製程（injection molding process)來形成；接著，形成一 傳導層（conductive layer)於按鍵之一表面上；然後，刻印（marking) 一功能記號（function sign)於傳導層上；最後，形成一金屬層於除 了功能記號以外之傳導層上。 傳導層可以以一無電鍍製程（electroless plating process)來 形成，且其厚度約為0.1〜5.0微米（//m)。 金屬層之製程可以選自一電解電鍍製程（electrolytic plating200540682 IX. Description of the invention: [Technical field to which the invention belongs] The present invention relates to a keyboard for a mobile phone and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a method capable of maintaining an attached state of a metal layer and allowing the use of various materials. Manufactured keyboard and manufacturing method thereof. [Prior art] Generally, a keyboard is a switch device that is applied to a communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) to generate signals or perform various additional functions. The keyboard has multiple keys and text or graphics are printed on each key. These keys are arranged on the front housing of the terminal and are in a state capable of generating signals. As for the keypad of a mobile phone, it presses a dome switch so that the dome switch can be elastically deformed to contact the contact points on the printed circuit board (PCB) and generate a signal. To achieve the purpose of performing various functions provided by mobile phones. Plastic, silicon rubber, or a film having a predetermined thickness has been used to make the keyboard as described above. In addition, the keyboard has also been made into various shapes. In recent years, keyboards have been spray-coated or metal on keys to provide a metal-like feel, thereby increasing the value of the keyboard and meeting the needs of different users. This metal-like keyboard is plated with a metallic material such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), or chromium (Cr) on the surface of the keys formed of a plastic material. However, due to the difference in material properties between the plated material and the key material, the metal material plated on the key is likely to peel off easily. In addition, only when the keyboard is made of acrylic-butadiene-styrene (Acrylonitryl Butadiene Styrene; hereinafter referred to as ABS) resin, the metal material can be mined on the keys. In other words, a keyboard made of other resins, such as polycarbonate, cannot be metal on the keys. Therefore, the system must use a dual-injection molding process to manufacture the keyboard, so that the metal-like keys can be back-lighted. The dual injection molding process uses ABS resin to form the outer body of the key in one injection molding process, and then uses another resin such as polycarbonate to form the center of the displayed text or number in another injection molding process. Part (central portion). Such a manufacturing method increases the difficulty of the mold 'and increases the manufacturing cost, thereby reducing the productivity of the keyboard. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a metal keyboard and a manufacturing method thereof to solve the above-mentioned problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a keyboard. This method is capable of plating a metal layer on the keys no matter what kind of thermoplastic resin the keyboard is made of, and the metal plating layer of the keys with backlight capability does not fall off easily. According to the purpose of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a metal keyboard is proposed. This method includes the following steps: First, a key is formed, and the key is formed by an injection molding process using a thermoplastic resin; then, a conductive layer is formed on a surface of the key; then, Marking a function sign on the conductive layer; finally, forming a metal layer on the conductive layer other than the function sign. The conductive layer can be formed by an electroless plating process and has a thickness of about 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers (// m). The process of the metal layer can be selected from an electrolytic plating process.
TW1916PA 6 200540682 process)、一濺鍍製程（sputtering process)、一化學氣相沈積製程 (chemical vapor deposition process)或一無電鑛製程（electroless plating process) ° 此方法更包括形成一強化層（reinforced layer )於金屬層上。 按鍵可以由半透明或透明之材料所形成，以使功能記號於背 光（backlighting)期間可以清楚地（brightly)顯示。 傳導層之材料可以選自鎳（Ni)、络（Cr)、鈦（Ti)及氧化銦錫 (IT0)所組成的族群。金屬層之材料可以選自銅（Cu)、鎳（Ni)及络 (Cr)所組成的族群。 此方法係可以於使用熱塑性材料形成按鍵後，更形成一蝕刻 部份（etching portion)於按鍵之表面上。 钱刻部份係具有微小的凸起物（minute projections )，微小 的凸起物係形成於按鍵之表面上。 根據本發明的另一目的，提出一種配置於行動裝置之前機殼 上之鍵盤，包括一按鍵，一傳導層、一功能記號以及一金屬層。 按鍵係由塑膠材料所形成。傳導層係形成於按鍵之一表面上。功 能記號係以一雷射刻印製程或一微影製程形成於傳導層上。金屬 層係形成於除了功能記號以外之傳導層上。 根據本發明的目的，再提出一種用於行動裝置之鍵盤的製造 方法。此方法包括以下步驟：首先，形成一按鍵，此按鍵係使用 熱塑性樹脂以一射出成形製程來形成；接著，形成一傳導層於按 鍵之一表面上；然後，刻印一功能記號於傳導層上；最後，形成 一強化層於除了功能記號以外之傳導層上。 為讓本發明之上述目的、特徵、和優點能更明顯易懂，下文 特舉較佳實施例，並配合所附圖式，作詳細說明如下：TW1916PA 6 200540682 process), a sputtering process, a chemical vapor deposition process or an electroless plating process ° This method further includes forming a reinforced layer On the metal layer. The keys may be formed of a translucent or transparent material so that the function marks can be displayed brightly during backlighting. The material of the conductive layer may be selected from the group consisting of nickel (Ni), complex (Cr), titanium (Ti), and indium tin oxide (IT0). The material of the metal layer may be selected from the group consisting of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and complex (Cr). This method can form an etching portion on the surface of the button after forming the button using a thermoplastic material. The money engraved part has minute projections, and the minute projections are formed on the surface of the button. According to another object of the present invention, a keyboard provided on a casing of a mobile device is provided. The keyboard includes a key, a conductive layer, a function mark, and a metal layer. The keys are made of plastic material. The conductive layer is formed on one surface of the key. The function mark is formed on the conductive layer by a laser engraving process or a lithography process. The metal layer is formed on a conductive layer other than a functional symbol. According to the object of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a keyboard for a mobile device is proposed. The method includes the following steps: first, forming a key, the key is formed by an injection molding process using a thermoplastic resin; then, forming a conductive layer on a surface of the key; and then engraving a function mark on the conductive layer; Finally, a strengthening layer is formed on the conductive layer other than the function mark. In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more comprehensible, the following describes specific embodiments in combination with the accompanying drawings, as follows:
TW1916PA 7 200540682 【實施方式】 請同時參照第1圖及第2A〜2F圖。第1圖繪示乃本發明一 較佳實施例之一種金屬鍵盤之製造方法的流程圖，第2A〜2F圖 繪示乃依照第1圖之製造方法製造金屬鍵盤時之連續步驟的示意 圖。 本實施例之製造方法係先於步驟S1中，以射出成形製程形 成如第2A圖所示之按鍵2。 按鍵2例如是由ABS樹脂，或是由不能使用於金屬電鍍製 程（metal plating process)中之熱塑性樹脂如聚碳酸脂或聚甲基丙0 浠酸甲脂（poly methyl metha acrylate ; PMMA)所形成。 按鍵2較佳地由半透明或是透明的材料構成，如此一來，於 背光（back-lighting)期間按鍵2上之文字或數字仍然可以清楚地 顯示出來。 按鍵2的下部（lower portion)係具有一凸緣4，如第2A圖所 示。凸緣4係能夠阻止聚集在行動裝置之機殼上的光線從後面散 發出去，並且可以避免按鍵2與機殼脫離。 然後，於步驟S2中，係藉由物理或化學的機制使按鍵2的 表面活化，以形成如第2B圖所示之蝕刻部份6。 _ 有物理及化學的方法可以形成餘刻部份6。在物理方法方 面，例如是以放射（eradiate)電聚（plasma)或離子束的方式使按鍵 2的表面上形成微小的凸出物（minute projection)。 亦或是，在按鍵2的表面上沈積一中間層（intermediate layer) 如種子層（seed layer)以定義為餘刻部份6。 在化學方法方面，例如是將石肖酸液體（nitric acid liquid)等化 學劑塗於按鍵2的表面上，用以侵蝕按鍵2的表面，進而於按鍵 2的表面上形成溝槽及凸出物。 TW1916PA 8 200540682 在步驟S2中形成蝕刻部 係利賴刻部份6形成傳導層:。6之後接者，於步驟S3中， 成傅導層8的厚度較佳地介 接下來之雷射刻印製程的進行。.1 5·°術m)之間，以利 著於乂驟84 _，執行一雷射刻印製程，用以形成領干 部份10於傳導声8 f·瓶-如 用从Φ成顯不 s 。 份1G勤為文字或數字。執行完 ，由於位在顯示部份1G處的傳導層已被抹去，故此時 頦不一伤10已成為一非傳導部份。 顯，部份10亦可以由一般的微影製程來形成。 接者’於步驟S5中，係以電解電鑛製程形成金屬層12於 除:顯不部份1〇以外之傳導層8上，如第2E圖所示，其係用以 提咼傳導層8之附著力盥而、 t者力”耐久力（endurance)，並且讓按鍵2且有 金屬般的觸感。 % θ在步驟S5之電解電鑛製程中，舉凡銅（Cu)、錄（Ni)、络⑼ 或是其他能夠表現金屬般之觸感的材料都可以作為電解材料。 電解電鑛製程亦可以雜製程、化學氣相沈積製程或無電鑛 製程代替。 在執行完上述之步驟之後，按鍵2係可藉由金屬層Μ而表 ί見出金屬般的觸感。按鍵2之製造方法係可於此狀態下完成。不 過’於步驟S5之後，也可以再執行步驟％，其係以氣相沈積製 程再形成-強化層14,如第2F圖所示，用以提高產品的價值。 亦可以使用濺鍍法於金屬層12之表面上再沈積一層薄的金 屬層來作為強化層14。 、強化層14例如是由錫（TiN)、SUS、金（Au)或其他材料所形 成’其係能夠提供一流的產品品質。TW1916PA 7 200540682 [Embodiment] Please refer to Fig. 1 and Figs. 2A to 2F at the same time. FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a metal keyboard according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2A to 2F are schematic diagrams of continuous steps in manufacturing a metal keyboard according to the manufacturing method of FIG. 1. In the manufacturing method of this embodiment, before step S1, the button 2 shown in FIG. 2A is formed by an injection molding process. The button 2 is formed of, for example, ABS resin, or a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate or polymethyl metha acrylate (PMMA) which cannot be used in a metal plating process. . The button 2 is preferably made of a translucent or transparent material, so that the text or number on the button 2 can still be clearly displayed during back-lighting. The lower portion of the key 2 has a flange 4 as shown in Fig. 2A. The flange 4 can prevent the light collected on the casing of the mobile device from being emitted from the rear, and can prevent the button 2 from detaching from the casing. Then, in step S2, the surface of the button 2 is activated by a physical or chemical mechanism to form an etched portion 6 as shown in FIG. 2B. _ There are physical and chemical methods to form the remainder part 6. In terms of a physical method, for example, minute projections are formed on the surface of the button 2 by means of eradiate plasma or ion beam. Alternatively, an intermediate layer such as a seed layer is deposited on the surface of the button 2 to define the remaining portion 6. In terms of chemical methods, for example, a chemical agent such as nitric acid liquid is applied to the surface of the button 2 to erode the surface of the button 2 and further form grooves and protrusions on the surface of the button 2 . TW1916PA 8 200540682 The etching portion is formed in step S2, and the conductive layer is formed by the etching portion 6. After step 6, in step S3, the thickness of the fusible conductive layer 8 is preferably intervened by the following laser marking process. .1 5 °° m) in order to focus on step 84, perform a laser engraving process to form the collar part 10 to conduct sound 8 f · bottle-if used from Φ 成 显 不 s . A 1G account is written in words or numbers. After the implementation, since the conductive layer located at the display portion 1G has been erased, at this time, the injury 10 has become a non-conductive portion. Obviously, part 10 can also be formed by a general lithography process. Then, in step S5, the metal layer 12 is formed on the conductive layer 8 except for the display portion 10 by an electrolytic power ore process. As shown in FIG. 2E, it is used to improve the conductive layer 8 The adhesive force is "endurance", and the button 2 has a metal-like touch.% Θ In the electrolytic power ore process of step S5, for example, copper (Cu), copper (Ni) , ⑼, or other materials that can express a metal-like touch can be used as electrolytic materials. Electrolytic ore process can also be replaced by hybrid process, chemical vapor deposition process or electroless ore process. After performing the above steps, press Series 2 can show a metal-like touch through the metal layer M. The manufacturing method of button 2 can be completed in this state. However, after step S5, step% can also be performed, which is based on gas The phase-deposition process re-forms the strengthening layer 14, as shown in FIG. 2F, to increase the value of the product. A thin metal layer can also be deposited on the surface of the metal layer 12 as a strengthening layer 14 by sputtering. The reinforcing layer 14 is made of, for example, tin (TiN), SUS, gold (Au), or the like. Other materials are made of ’which can provide first-class product quality.
TW1916PA 9 200540682 藉由上述步驟所形成之按鍵係可裝置於一基底構件上，並且 嵌入如行動電話等之行動裝置之前機殼。 當按鍵裝配於機殼上時，沈積於按鍵2之表面上之金屬層 12係提供金屬的觸感，從而提高產品的價值以及增加視覺上的效 果。 上述實施例係以先形成金屬層12，然後再形成強化層14為 例作說明。然而，本發明對此並沒有特別限制。舉例而言，在步 驟S4之後可以不執行電解電鍍製程而直接將強化層形成於傳導 層8上。如此一來，係可減少製造之步驟。 本發明上述實施例所揭露之金屬鍵盤及其製造方法，係以無 電鍍製程將傳導層形成於塑膠按鍵上，而且以電解 屬層鑛在傳導層上，所^論按鍵之㈣為何，金屬層 成於按鍵上。 此外，由於本製造方法所使用之射出成形製程可以报容易地 被執行，因此本製造方法係可提高生產率並具有降低製造成本的 優點。 再者，由於金屬層係形成於顯示部份的週圍，所以可以防止 對顯不部份可能造成的損害。 此外，由於強化層係形成於金屬層上，所以可以提高產品的 價值及形象。當沒有形成金屬層，且將強化層直接形成於傳導層 上時，係可以使得此製造方法更簡化。 另外，由於傳導層係形成於按鍵之_部份上，所以可以使 得傳導層之附著力變得更好，從而提高金屬按鍵之耐久力。 綜上所述，雖然本發明已以一較佳實施例揭露如上，然其並 非用以限定本發明’任何熟習此技藝者，在不脫離本發明之精神 和範圍内，當可作各種之更動與潤飾，因此本發明之保護範圍當TW1916PA 9 200540682 The keys formed by the above steps can be mounted on a base member and embedded into the front case of a mobile device such as a mobile phone. When the button is assembled on the casing, the metal layer 12 deposited on the surface of the button 2 provides a metal tactile feeling, thereby increasing the value of the product and increasing the visual effect. The above embodiment is described by taking the example in which the metal layer 12 is formed first, and then the reinforcing layer 14 is formed. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, after step S4, the reinforcing layer may be formed directly on the conductive layer 8 without performing an electrolytic plating process. In this way, the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced. The metal keyboard disclosed in the above embodiments of the present invention and a method for manufacturing the same are formed of a conductive layer on a plastic keypad by an electroless plating process, and an electrolytic metal layer is formed on the conductive keypad. Made on the button. In addition, since the injection molding process used in this manufacturing method can be easily performed, this manufacturing method has the advantages of improving productivity and reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, since the metal layer is formed around the display portion, it is possible to prevent possible damage to the display portion. In addition, since the reinforcing layer is formed on the metal layer, the value and image of the product can be enhanced. When a metal layer is not formed, and a reinforcing layer is directly formed on the conductive layer, the manufacturing method can be simplified. In addition, since the conductive layer is formed on the _ part of the key, the adhesion of the conductive layer can be made better, thereby improving the durability of the metal key. In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed as above with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. 'Any person skilled in the art can make various changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. And retouching, so the scope of protection of the present invention should be
TW1916PA 10 200540682 視後附之申請專利範圍所界定者為準。TW1916PA 10 200540682 Subject to the scope of the attached patent application.
TW1916PA 11 200540682 【圖式簡單說明】 第1圖繪示乃本發明一較佳實施例之一種金屬鍵盤之製造 方法的流程圖。 第2A〜2F圖繪示乃依照第1圖之製造方法製造金屬鍵盤時 之連續步驟的示意圖。 【主要元件符號說明】 2 :按鍵 4 :凸緣 6 :蝕刻部份 8 :傳導層 10 :顯示部份 12 :金屬層 14 :強化層 TW1916PA 12TW1916PA 11 200540682 [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a metal keyboard according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A to 2F are schematic diagrams of the continuous steps when manufacturing a metal keyboard according to the manufacturing method of Figure 1. [Description of main component symbols] 2: Button 4: Flange 6: Etched part 8: Conductive layer 10: Display part 12: Metal layer 14: Reinforced layer TW1916PA 12